The Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, has criticised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over its demand for the resignation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, warning that such agitation could further inflame Nigeria’s already tense political climate.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Thursday, Moro cautioned political actors against what he described as a sustained pattern of protests and public agitation capable of overheating the polity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He argued that calls for the resignation of an electoral umpire are not unprecedented in Nigeria’s political history and should not be mistaken as a definitive solution to electoral disputes.
“If the INEC chairman resigns today, who will midwife the 2027 elections?” Moro asked, questioning the practicality of the demand. He added that allegations of bias against the commission’s leadership, if taken to their logical conclusion, could undermine public confidence in the entire electoral process.
Moro also dismissed claims that the commission deliberately misinterpreted a court directive on maintaining the “status quo ante bellum,” noting that legal interpretations of the phrase vary among practitioners.
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His remarks come amid escalating tensions between the ADC and INEC following a series of protests led by members of the opposition party. Moro criticised the demonstrations, pointing out that the ADC remains only one among several political parties participating in Nigeria’s electoral system.
“If they want to unseat the president, that is their right,” he said, “but resorting to the streets instead of legal processes raises questions about their approach.”
The controversy deepened after INEC announced the delisting of key ADC figures, including former Senate President David Mark and the party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, citing compliance with a court order directing the commission to maintain the status quo pending the determination of a case before a trial court.
INEC’s National Commissioner, Mohammed Haruna, said the commission acted strictly in line with judicial directives, a position that has further fueled disagreement over the interpretation of the order.
The ADC, however, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using INEC to weaken opposition parties and pave the way for a one-party state ahead of the 2027 elections.
At a recent press briefing in Abuja, the ADC leadership renewed its demand for the removal of the INEC chairman, alleging bias and unlawful interference in the party’s internal affairs.
